Bank Branches in Thailand on the Map
In Pattaya
In Phuket
In Thailand, treasury banknotes began to be issued in 1851. This date is considered the start of the country’s banking system. Much has changed since then. Innovations in this field have affected all countries, especially resort nations. Thousands of tourists visiting these regions every year inevitably face the need to withdraw cash. Thailand is proud not only of its resorts but also of its national banks.
Bangkok Bank
SWIFT code: BKKBTHBK
It has repeatedly won the “Bank of the Year” award. Among Thai commercial banks, this is the largest. Bangkok Bank operates more than 700 branches across the country. The bank was founded in the mid-1990s.
Krungthai Bank
Official website and exchange rate
SWIFT code: KRTHTHBK
The second largest Thai bank, founded in the mid-1960s.
Kasikorn Bank
SWIFT code: KASITHBK
Rapidly developing but currently fourth in the ranking of commercial banks in the country. In 2008, The Asian Banker Journal awarded Kasikornbank the title “Thailand’s Strongest Bank”. Kasikornbank was founded in 1945 and has 600 branches nationwide.
Siam Commercial Bank
SWIFT code: SICOTHBK
Third in size but the oldest bank in Thailand. Siam Commercial Bank was opened at the beginning of the 20th century and is owned by members of the royal dynasty (it is often called the “Royal Bank”).
UOB Thai
SWIFT code: BKASTHBK
A subsidiary of one of the largest financial institutions in Singapore and the Pacific region. Currently, UOB Thai has 170 branches in Thailand.
TMB Bank
SWIFT code: TMBKTHBK
The fifth largest Thai commercial bank, founded in the mid-1950s. Initially, it served Thai military personnel and their families.
Thanachart Bank
A young bank, founded in April 2002. As of December 31, 2014, Thanachart Bank’s assets exceeded one trillion baht.
LH Bank
A creditor of major Bangkok and Thai companies.
How to Use an ATM in Thailand?
Since 2014, Thai ATMs have gradually stopped dispensing cash without a fee. Today, tourists must pay a considerable commission to withdraw money. For example, withdrawing 1,000 baht ( 30.78 USD) may deduct up to 1,220 ( 37.55 USD), but the account holder receives only 1,000 ( 30.78 USD).
The main inconvenience is that Thai ATMs dispense only baht, regardless of the card’s currency. To get other currencies, tourists need to find an exchange office, available at banks or on the street.
Thai ATMs also have withdrawal limits, usually 20,000 ( 615.60 USD) to 30,000 baht ( 923.40 USD). Small withdrawals are impractical.
Experienced travelers advise carrying multiple cards due to the risk of theft (Thailand is in a financial risk zone).
How to Use an English-Language ATM?
After entering the PIN, select one of the commands: WITHDRAWAL, TRANSFER, or ENQUIRY. Press WITHDRAWAL for cash and SAVINGS to proceed.
Choose an amount in multiples of 100 or enter your desired amount (also multiple of 100). Press INCORRECT to cancel, CORRECT to confirm. A message will show the commission fee.
If the account has enough funds, the ATM dispenses cash and offers a receipt. If not, the message TRANSACTION AMOUNT OVER AVAILABLE BALANCE appears. Reduce the amount if needed. The card is returned automatically.
How to Withdraw Cash in a Bank Branch Without a Fee?
Tourists wishing to avoid commissions should go to UOB, Kasikorn, or Bangkok Bank and follow the procedure below.
Withdrawals are possible at branches in:
- Pattaya;
- Krabi;
- Samui;
- Bangkok and Phuket.
A passport is required. Staff may ask for the hotel name and mobile phone number.
A Russian speaker can say to a free teller: “take cash from credit card”. Smart travelers show card and passport immediately to avoid doubts.
Video: how to withdraw money
After stating the withdrawal amount, give the passport and card to the teller. The bank will process and hand over the cash.
The procedure below applies to UOB, Bangkok Bank, and Kasikorn (Kasikorn limit – max 20,000 baht ( 615.60 USD); the first two have no limit).
The teller verifies the signature on the card and matches passport data. Any mismatch may result in refusal, and the tourist must try another bank.
